Competenz and CMITO announce merger for 2014

High performing industry training organisation the Communications and Media ITO (CMITO) has announced their intention to merge its operations with Competenz.

The Minister of Tertiary Education formally approved the merger on 3 December 2013 and it will go ahead on 1 January 2014.

In line with nationwide changes in industry training, CMITO Chairman Dan Blackbourn led a robust process to find the best merger partner to secure the future of formal workplace training for the print, packaging, journalism and signmaking industries. Competenz was the Board’s clear choice for reasons including manufacturing leadership and success in delivering benefits to employers and learners through previous merger activity.

“By combining the strength of both organisations we are able to develop further opportunities that will benefit trainees and businesses,” says Mr Blackbourn.

Competenz Chairman Mike Simm says the merger makes strategic sense for both organisations and will mean more resources dedicated to employers and learners.

“As a large, multi-sector ITO with scale and expertise in manufacturing, engineering, food & beverage and forestry skills development, Competenz brings the strength of our nationwide network of account managers and customer service focus to the merger. By combining this with the great reputation and close relationships CMITO has with the print, packaging, journalism and signmaking industries, the service and performance for workplace training is greatly strengthened.”

The merger follows the Ministry of Education’s Industry Training Review, and aligns with the Government’s view that fewer, larger ITOs will create a more cohesive vocational education system. The merger will be the fourth for Competenz since December 2012, after successfully integrating Retail Meat ITO, forestry training organisation (FITEC) and plastics and materials manufacturing ITO (PaMPITO) into its operation.

All existing services offered by CMITO will continue. There will be benefits from back-of-house efficiencies and the ability to access Competenz’s growing e-learning platform.

“Like CMITO, Competenz is committed to making New Zealand businesses more competitive, with skilled and productive staff, and this merger forms an important part of that goal. We are looking forward to working alongside and continuing the close relationships with those organisations and learners who have been well represented by CMITO in the past.”